I first heard YC the Cynic on J-Live’s “Watch the Sun,” the b-side to his new album’s first single. Soon after, I went to see J-Live during SXSW this year. During his set, Homeboy Sandman came on, which was as expectedly great. What I wasn’t ready for, though, was YC the Cynic. When he was introduced, I thought, “Oh, right, he’s on the new single.” J-Live gave him space in his set to do three or four songs, and he delivered a high energy performance that showcased his intelligence and charisma. I believe it was at this moment that I tweeted “Remember the name YC the Cynic.” Listening to Fall FWD, I can rest assured that I wasn’t just caught up in the moment - he’s a legitimate talent.

Fall FWD is being marketed as a mix tape, but it plays like an album rather than a compilation. Mix tapes are generally marked by some obvious samples, or even just rhyming over somebody’s instrumental. The message is something along the lines of, “listen to my rhymes, and then try to imagine what a real album could wound like with tighter song structure and original production.” Fall FWD instead delivers great song structure and well-placed verses, choruses, and bridges. It doesn’t require much imagination to hear what a proper full-length could sound like.

What strikes me most about Fall FWD is YC’s maturity. This Bronx-based emcee is not yet 21, but he rhymes like a veteran. He demonstrates knowledge on a wide variety of topics, like the history of hip hop and America’s race and gender relations. He does this with great hooks, and presents the material in a way that is accessible but not condescending. “Bring Us Down,” evaluates thug imagery in hip hop from multiple angles, culminating in a chorus that proclaims, “One finger in the air for the gangstas, two fingers in the air for the mainstream, three fingers in the air for the TV/Y’all can change, but y’all just bring us down.” It’s a memorable hook that I’m sure goes over well live, but also prompts discussion about all the ideas he packed into those lines.

YC the Cynic provides great music that rewards listeners on multiple levels. While others his age are still playing around and learning the power of their words, YC has already realized his talent. This isn’t about his potential. It’s about a mix tape that shows an emcee dropping complex yet palatable rhymes and beats that inspire deep thought and emotional connections. We need a full length debut from YC the Cynic, and we need it soon.